Chargers appear bent on defensive changes

Jobs on the line before next game

The Chargers' defense had seemingly improved each week until it got taken apart from the start Sunday.

In one week, the Chargers dropped 10 spots to 24th in the league in total defense — 28th against the run and 14th against the pass.

“We had a poor game,” Phillips said. “It's how we respond to that poor game that matters. When we've had adversity in the past, have we responded? Yes. I'm looking forward to us responding.”

Nuts 'n' Bolts

• Asked about comments Smith made in Wednesday's
Union-Tribune,
in which the general manager said the Chargers had at times played “soft,”
Shawne Merriman
said: “The only opinions that matter to me are the ones in this locker room.”

•The Chargers have an eye on Denver, but they are using the bye week mostly for a different focus. Said Turner: “We're looking at ourselves as much as we're looking at our next opponent.”

•The Chargers are using their two practices this week to introduce some of the concepts for their game plan for Denver and also as a time to give players new to the team a chance to work. After today's practice, the players are off until Monday.